Special Pays
In addition to Basic Pay, Basic Allowance for Housing, and Basic Allowance for Subsistence, members of the military may receive special or incentive pays, depending upon individual circumstances.
Medical & Dental Officer Pay. Depending on their years of service, medical and dental officers receive a variable special pay, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year. Additionally, Board-Certified medical officers and dental officers receive ranging from $4,000 to $31,000 per year. The directive governing Medical Officer Pay is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 64. The directive governing Dental Officer Pay is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 6.
Veterinarians and Optometrists. Vets and eye-doctors only get an extra incentive pay of $100 per month. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 7.
Enlisted Special Duty Pay. The Secretary of the particular service concerned may authorize special duty pay to enlisted members performing designated special duties. This pay ranges from $55.00 per month to $375.00 per month, depending on the level of the special duty. Examples of some jobs which qualify for this special pay are military recruiters, and (in the Air Force), First Sergeants. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 8.
Diving Pay. Individuals who are qualified to dive, and who are placed on special orders to perform diving duties as a part of their normal military duties are entitled to diving pay. The pay varies significantly depending on experience level, type of duty, and the branch of service, but ranges from $110 to $300 per month. It's not surprising that the maximum amount is received by Navy SEALS. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 11.
Nuclear Officer Pay. Naval nuclear officers receive both an initial bonus, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000, and a yearly incentive pay for extending their service commitment. The yearly incentive pay is determined by the Secretary of the Navy, and may not exceed $12,000 per year. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 12.
Navy Commanders. Navy officers in the paygrade of O-6 and below receive a monthly special pay, in amounts ranging from $50.00 per month to $150 per month, when assigned duties as a commanding officer over a ship or unit designated by the Secretary of the Navy. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 13.
Overseas Extension Pay. Enlisted members, depending on location and occupation, may be authorized to receive $80.00 per month for voluntarily extending their duty in an overseas area. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 14.
Aviation Continuation Pay. This pay, available to aviation (flying) officers, below the paygrade of O-6, who extend their service obligation, may receive an annual incentive pay ranging between $4,000 and $6,000 per year. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 15.
Engineering and Scientific Officer Continuation Pay. Commissioned officers, serving as engineers or scientists may receive a continuation pay up to $3,000 per year for extending their service commitment. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 16.
Foreign Duty Pay. Enlisted members assigned to areas outside of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, are authorized to receive foreign duty pay. The amount of pay is based on rank and ranges from $8.00 per month for an E-1, to $22.50 per month for an E-9. It's interesting to note that an individual cannot receive this pay if they are stationed in a state or country of which they are a resident. So, for example, a member of the military who is a legal resident of Hawaii, would not receive this pay if stationed in that State, but another military member, who is not a resident of Hawaii, would receive the pay. Certain designated locations have been designated "hardship duty" pay locations, and members stationed there can receive up to $700.00 per month. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 17.
Sea Pay. Military members embarked on a ship are authorized sea pay, ranging in amounts from $50.00 per month to $620 per month. The amount of entitlement is based on rank and number of years of logged sea-duty. Additional amounts may also be awarded to personnel who have been embarked on a vessel for over 36 consecutive months. The governing directive is the Defense Pay Regulation, Volume 7A, Chapter 18.
